Festival of Trees has all the trimmings

The fundraiser at the San Joaquin County Historical Museum begins with a senior preview Friday featuring refreshments and a chance to check out more than 60 uniquely decorated Christmas trees.

But on Saturday and Sunday, the museum grounds will be bustling with all kinds of craft stations, live entertainment, a photo opp with Santa, train rides and other old-fashioned holiday fun.

"The candle dipping is so popular that we have changed the layout a little bit this year so that hopefully the line isn't so long and the flow is better," David Stuart, executive director of museum said of the crafts that kids can buy tickets to make. "That's one of everyone's favorites."

In an old tent, visitors take a string and dip it slowly through one of the crock pots of melted candle wax set up on tables.

Volunteers trim the candle and fasten it to a piece of birch.

Then it's time to decorate it.

The candle dipping is among a whole slew of make-and-take craft opportunities for all at the event.

Marisa Stockton, a freshman at St. Mary's High School, is one of the many crew on hand to help at the craft stations.

"I think the kids really enjoy this because they get to be creative and actually work with wax and make the candles themselves," she said. "I enjoy working the festival because it really gets everyone in the holiday spirit."

Some of the docents dress up in vintage costumes and the crafts - such as the candle dipping and tin-punch ornaments - are throwbacks from yesteryear.

Museum volunteer Christi Weybret said the event also gives people a chance to check out the museum and its exhibits, including something new that's actually very old - a covered wagon.

"The wagon is the actual covered wagon used by L.M. and Eva Morse when they traveled on the overland trail from Missouri across the plains and mountains and deserts to Stockton in 1859," she said.

While the senior preview Friday won't feature all the entertainment and activities, organizers said it's a low-key chance for senior citizens to enjoy the trees without all the hustle and bustle.

"The senior preview is designed for seniors or those with physical difficulties," Mickie Flores, a coordinator for the preview, said. "It is an opportunity to have full access to the grounds and enjoy some refreshments and looking at all the festive trees, decorations and exhibits."